The aroma of international cooking wafted through Somerset Primary School on Tuesday evening for a celebration of diversity.

The International Day Dinner featured dishes from countries including Bermuda, Japan, Mexico, India, Jamaica and South Africa.

Tacos, guacamole, a variety of rice dishes, roast and fried chicken were served in the assembly hall with gulab jamun, one of India's cherished festival desserts.

Angela Edwards, the school’s principal, said the night was organised with the parent teacher association’s support, to introduce pupils to new flavours from around the world.

She added: “Each class was asked to do a presentation and the children would have learnt a number of things such as the flags and the historical nature of the countries as well.

“We have pretty much 100 per cent participation from the families and our students.”

Ms Edwards said the school may host it again, with three diversity committees to decide the timing of events.

Winsome Wilson-Place, a teacher and member of the international committee, said the school’s ranks included many counties.

She said: “We decided to put something on where the community would benefit.

“Not just the children but parents and others from the community as well.”

It was the school’s first international dinner — it has previously hosted a breakfast featuring dishes from multiple countries.

Ms Winsome-Place added: “It is a coming together because diversity is a big thing now not just in the schools but also in the workplace.

“As we look around here, we can see people of different backgrounds. It is important that in schools we try to encourage children to accept differences and to learn about other people’s backgrounds.”

The night culminated with a fireworks display as a part of Diwali celebrations.

Shubratha Arun Konaru, a parent and PTA member, explained that Diwali — the Hindu festival of lights in India — was a holiday marked over five days.